Ron Howard (left) and Jay Z’s documentary ‘Made in America’ premieres tonight at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Ron Howard is at the Toronto International Film Festival presenting his racing drama “Rush“–but he is also premiering his new documentary “Made in America,” about Jay Z’s music festival of the same name. Howard will participate in a live discussion at the TIFF Bell Lightbox Theatre after a screening of the Jay Z movie tonight.

He said the project came together within days, after discussions with Jay Z and a sponsorship by Budweiser.

“It was a wild lark, one of these opportunities that came flying in and it was just at the moment that I was editing ‘Rush’ but there was a period where I didn’t need to be hands-on 24-7,” Howard told Speakeasy in an interview.

The director knew music mogul Jay-Z through Brian Grazer, his longtime business partner and co-producer on many projects. He and Jay-Z decided to document the inaugural “Made in America” festival, which took place last year in Philadelphia over Labor Day weekend.

Howard, who immersed himself in Formula One racecar driving for “Rush,” found himself similarly thrust into a new world for “Made in America.” He captured performances by Pearl Jam, Skrillex, and Run-DMC (in the rap group’s first live performance since the death of Jam Master Jay in 2002).

“Suddenly I found myself like a stranger in a strange land, standing with a camera myself along with six or seven camera crews who I assigned to follow various aspects of the festival,” he said.

Howard called making the documentary a fascinating experience, and said he’s only screened it to small audiences. Tonight’s premiere will be its big debut. “I have no idea what it will be like,” he said.

“Made in America” will air on Showtime on Oct. 11. Watch the trailer.

Check back in soon for more with Ron Howard and his film “Rush.” Follow @barbarachai on Twitter for more from the Toronto International Film Festival.

About Speakeasy

Speakeasy is a blog covering media, entertainment, celebrity and the arts. The publication is produced by Barbara Chai and Jonathan Welsh with contributions from the Wall Street Journal staff and others. Write to us at speakeasy@wsj.com or follow us on Twitter at @WSJSpeakeasy or individually @barbarachai.